Shopping Main Street Online: Little Independent Celebrates Variety with Its 25th Store

Little Independent, a Chicago-based online marketplace for sale items at independent retail stores, welcomed its 25th partner store. Early to Bed is a woman-owned, sex-positive boutique adult store located in Chicago. It was founded in 2001 to fill a dire need for an adult store with smart staff, fair prices, and a warm, women-friendly environment.

"It was never our goal to focus on adult stores, but they are definitely a part of the landscape of independent retail. We felt Early to Bed was a good match for our site because of their focus on education and community activism." says Lesley Tweedie, founder of Little Independent.

"We fit Little Independent's business model in every way and are always looking to connect with new customers who value our shop's take on positive sexuality and commitment to supporting our local communities," said Searah Deysach, owner of Early to Bed. "While a lot of what we sell is clearly not appropriate for a family-friendly site, a lot of our body products are more of the PG-13 variety and we often have them on sale."

"I was thrilled to welcome Early to Bed to our online community of independent retailers," explained Tweedie. "It's 2011 and we're all brick and mortar shopkeepers with some of the same challenges of competing with online and big box stores. I think it makes perfect sense to stand side by side with this store. Our site has pet stores, toy stores, children's clothing stores, shoe stores and more and none of those store-owners has expressed any discomfort with Early to Bed."

"We rea women's coats lly envision Little Independent as having the same variety you'd find strolling along the streets of your favorite retail district," Tweedie continued. "One of the reasons we value our local, independently owned stores is because of the diversity, individuality and community that they offer."

Little Independent now boasts storefronts for 38 independently-owned retail stores. While currently all the stores are in the Chicago area, independently owned, brick and mortar stores across the country are welcome to use the site's services.

About:
Founded in 2010, Little Independent is a Chicago-based online marketplace for sale items at independent retail stores. Its mission is to be an advocate for independent retailers and to give savvy shoppers an easier way to find great independent stores and sale merchandise. To shop or sell, please visit http://www.littleindependent.com.

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